Is Ahmedabad's NCB Leading the Charge Against Drugs with 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NCB's campaign runs from August 14 to 16.
- Focus on educating youth about drug abuse risks.
- Collaboration with local organizations enhances impact.
- Significant drug busts highlight ongoing trafficking issues.
- Community involvement is crucial for long-term success.
Ahmedabad, Aug 14 (NationPress) As part of the nationwide 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan', the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) Ahmedabad division has initiated a series of public awareness initiatives throughout the city and surrounding areas, running from Thursday until August 16.
The campaign commenced on August 14 with informative sessions at Ahmedabad Railway Station and the Riverfront View.
On Independence Day, activities will take place at the Sports Authority of India and Kendriya Vidyalaya, followed by a collaborative effort with the spiritual group ISKCON.
This initiative will wrap up on August 16 with an outreach event in Vadaj village.
Aimed at citizens, particularly the youth, the program seeks to raise awareness about the serious health and social dangers associated with drug abuse.
Events will unfold in schools, public areas, and rural communities while also emphasizing the NCB's commitment to combat drug trafficking in Gujarat.
According to Ketan Patil Baliram, NCB Additional Director, 'Our aim is to foster public dedication against drug abuse and promote the vision of a healthy, drug-free society.'
In 2025, authorities in Gujarat have executed multiple significant drug busts.
In March, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch intercepted hybrid ganja, MD drugs, and charas, illicitly imported and hidden in shipments from the US, Canada, and Thailand, seizing narcotics valued at approximately Rs 3.45 crore.
Additionally, a major operation led by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, in cooperation with the NCB and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, discovered and dismantled an illegal alprazolam manufacturing unit in the Anand district.
This raid resulted in the confiscation of 107 kg of alprazolam worth around Rs 107 crore, along with 2,518 kg of precursor chemicals and 500 kg of tramadol from an Ahmedabad warehouse.
Moreover, the NCB, in collaboration with the Rajasthan and Maharashtra Police, dismantled a multi-state mephedrone and ketamine network.
Raids conducted in early August led to the seizure of 34 kg of powdered ketamine, 12 litres of liquid ketamine, precursor chemicals, lab equipment, and numerous arrests.
From 2021 to 2024, state agencies recorded 1,786 drug-related cases, apprehended 2,706 individuals, and confiscated 87,605 kg of narcotics valued at nearly Rs 9,680 crore.